Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessentially English customs – the concept was initiated by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford and close friend of Queen Victoria, who wanted something small to tide her over before dinner. From this, the afternoon tea ritual was born, and Champagne has long been seen as a staple in this celebratory tradition.
The tradition of drinking Champagne to mark a celebration originated in the royal courts of Europe in the 18th century, where the drink was a social status symbol, associated with luxury and prestige. In France, Champagne was known as “the wine of Kings and the King of wines” and from 816 to 1825, France’s royalty was crowned in Champagne’s Reims Cathedral, where Champagne was said to flow freely at all the coronation banquets. Soon highly prized for their taste and finesse, it became customary to gift these wines to any royalty visiting the region.
It was Queen Victoria’s love for Champagne which formalised its place within British royalty. During a visit to France in 1868, Queen Victoria ordered a shipment of 100 bottles of Champagne to the British Embassy in Paris, with her travel director subsequently assuring the provider that, “the wine was served at the Queen’s table every day”.
With this year’s Afternoon Tea Week starting on August 7, the Champagne Bureau UK wanted to combine these British and French traditions to share the best Champagne styles to go with all aspects of the afternoon tea. From savoury sandwiches and meats to sweet cakes and tarts, there is a Champagne style to match.
Rosé and fresh scones
The afternoon tea essential of a fresh scone lathered with strawberry jam and clotted cream is the perfect companion for the versatile Champagne style that is rosé Champagne. Rosé Champagnes’ distinct pink hue can be produced in two ways through blending or macerating. In turn, this produces aromas around notes of freshness or complex wild berry fruit notes that beautifully complement the sweetness of the strawberry jam. The combination is also beautifully aesthetic.
Demi-Sec and sweet treats
For your afternoon tea cakes and tarts opt for a sweeter Champagne such as a Sec or Demi-sec – a Champagne Sec contains 17-32 grams of sugar per litre and a Champagne Demi-sec contains 32-50 grams of sugar per litre. The sweetness of these wines perfectly balances with desserts, especially those involving pistachio.
Blanc de Blancs with egg mayonnaise sandwiches
Blanc de Blancs Champagne, made exclusively from white grapes such as Chardonnay, is the ideal companion to all your favourite vegetarian picnic sandwiches. Blanc de Blancs is a bright, refreshing, and lively style that is all about finesse. Possessing notes of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruits, they are light to taste and will not overpower the humble sandwich. We would go with an egg mayonnaise and cress filling which is richer and creamier than most and would be the perfect Blanc de Blancs companion.
Zero dosage and cucumber sandwiches
Another excellent vegetarian sandwich combination is the humble cucumber sandwich paired with a Champagne Brut Nature. A Champagne Brut Nature refers to a Champagne that has less than three grams of sugar per litre and no extra sugar added. This style is distinctly crisp with light fruit flavours and floral hints and is the perfect choice for the subtle flavours of a cucumber sandwich.
Blanc de noirs with meat sandwiches
For a Champagne that can hold its own against the powerful flavours of coronation chicken or salami sandwiches, opt for a Blanc de Noirs style – it is sure to be an explosive pairing. Blanc de Noirs Champagnes are produced entirely from black grape varieties such as Pinot Noir or Meunier. Generally, they have more body than wines that include solely white grape varieties in their blend. As such, these Champagnes give the impression of power, density and structure and have what is known as “vinosity” – the sensation of heat on the palate.
Vintage for those special occasions
If you’re having afternoon tea for a celebratory occasion… choose a vintage Champagne to add prestige and depth of flavour to a very special afternoon. A vintage Champagne can be of any style but comes from a specific harvest – to mark its characteristics, it will spend at least 36 months in the cellar and often a good deal longer. As such, these Champagnes have more pronounced aromas, such as undergrowth, gingerbread, dried fruit, coffee, cocoa, and raisins.
Champagne Bureau UK is the trade association in the UK, representing houses and growers in Champagne.
All imagery supplied by Champagne Bureau UK
